1960s Timeline

Shark River Park established. First 24 acres acquired from NJ Highway Authority; land was left over from Garden State Parkway construction. Another 40 acres of surplus land from Neptune acquired in 1962. Shark River Park opened in 1961.

Planning Board completes first Recreation and Open Space Plan for county.

Turkey Swamp Park established.Turkey Swamp Park opened in fall 1966, including the family campgrounds; but wasn’t dedicated until 1967. Nomoco opened in 1994 for group camping. The park has been growing steadily ever since, and in 2010, is by far the Park System’s largest property.

Park System hired a naturalist and expanded the list of nature programs offered throughout the parks. This marks the beginning of the Naturalist Division. Early programs included very popular campfire events that hosted up to 50-100 campers at Turkey Swamp Park, and nature walks at Holmdel, Turkey and Thompson Parks.